Does Zack Snyder want Exeter’s Matthew Goode to be his Superman?

The future’s looking just super for Exeter-born Watchmen and A Single Man star Matthew Goode.

Not only is he starring in Burning Man, by Australian writer-director Jonathan Teplitzky (best known for 2003’s Gettin’ Square which introduced Sam Worthington to an unsuspecting world), but he’s also rumoured to be playing Superman in the big-budget reboot.

Word has it the studio, producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder want to create a new star by casting a ‘wide net’ to find the right Superman, and were reportedly interested in casting a movie or TV actor who isn’t yet a household name.

Apparently, Snyder wants gawky Goode, who grew up in the village of Clyst St. Mary, to don a CGI suit (like the Green Lantern) to beef him into yer actual Man of Steel.

Of course, all Superman rumours should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt, but it speaks well of Goode’s career that his name would even be thrown into the ring, non?

So, what of Burning Man? Well, it tells the story of an English chef with a chic restaurant on Bondi Beach trying to put his life and his relationship with his son back on track while surrounded by women, including Rachel Griffiths, Essie Davis, and Kerry Fox.

Goode said the film ‘struck a chord’ with him. He told AAP: “It’s very funny and it’s extremely moving and it’s slightly autobiographical of Jonathan’s life and the loss of his first wife Amanda, [so there are] themes of breast cancer and loss and also how hard it is for the person who’s having to nurse the person who’s unwell.

“I thought, crikey, if you want me to do it, I’m quite honoured.”

Entertainment rag The Hollywood Reporter appears equally impressed -it listed Burning Man as one of the five ‘hot’ titles likely to generate buzz at the recent American Film Market trade show.

The film is due for release this year, while Zack Snyder’s Superman: Man of Steel will arrive in December 2012.